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Find My Child Care Type

Find Your Child Care Type

This table shows you the basics about child care options in Oregon so you know what questions to ask and where your type of care fits best.

Child Care Type License Exempt Licensed
Recorded Programs Regulated Subsidy Provider Registered Family Child Care Certified Family Child Care   Certified Child Care Center
What are the care options? Preschool programs that operate four hours or less per day and school-age programs that aren’t required to be licensed. Providers eligible for state subsidy reimbursement, but are not required to be licensed. Includes family, friends and some program with limited hours. Home-based child care program with up to 10 children. Home-based child care program with up to 16 children. Center-based child care program with number of children determined by floor space and number of staff.
Is this type of care regulated? Recorded Programs:

  • comply with background checks
 Regulated Subsidy Providers:

  • meet health and safety standards (on-site inspections)
  • comply with background checks
  • are regularly monitored
  • participate in ongoing training
 Licensed child care:

  • meet higher health, safety and program standards (on-site inspections)
  • comply with background checks with Office of Child Care
  • are regularly monitored
  • participate in ongoing training
Which are eligible to accept subsidy dollars? No. Unless programs meet requirements for regulated subsidy. These types of care can accept subsidy payments as long as they are listed with Department of Human Services.
Which are licensed? No. These programs are recorded with the State. No. Licensed child care:

  • keep attendance records
  • have planned educational activities
  • have a guidance and discipline policy
  • have a daily routine/schedule
  • are certified to handle food preparation
  • are trained in first aid and CPR
  • are trained in child abuse and neglect
  • participate in ongoing training on child development hearth and safety
Which are eligible for quality ratings? No. No. Eligible to apply for quality rating (3, 4 or 5 stars). Licensed child care:

  • employ staff who meet training and education qualifications
  • use materials, curricula, and activities that help child learn and grow
  • make it their policy to follow best practices in adult-child interaction

Do I Need A License?

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